Achievement First Aspire Charter School

Achie First Aspire outperforms District 19 averages in both ELA (54.8% vs 48.9%) and math (49.7% vs 48.2%), which is a meaningful achievement in a high-need district. However, the historical trend is concerning — math proficiency has declined dramatically from a high of 75.7% in 2017 to just 49.7% in 2025, while ELA peaked at 62.8% in 2018 and has yet to recover to that level. The 2025 scores show recovery from the pandemic dip, but the pattern of volatility suggests the school hasn't found a stable academic footing. Grade-level data reveals another concern: strong early elementary scores (Grade 3 and 4 both above 75% in both subjects) drop sharply in Grade 5 (39.7% ELA, 19.4% math), suggesting a transition gap that widens as students move through the middle grades.

The chronic absenteeism rate of 65% is a serious red flag — nearly two-thirds of students are missing significant amounts of school, which directly impacts learning. This affects all demographic groups similarly (65.4% male, 64.6% female, 67.6% Black, 51.8% Hispanic), suggesting a systemic issue rather than a subgroup problem. The family survey response rate of 0% with only 2 responses indicates families are either not engaged with the school or not aware of the survey opportunity. The attendance rate of 90.7% is marginally above the district average (89.9%), but the high chronic absenteeism suggests many students are attending just enough to keep the rate afloat while still missing too many days to learn effectively. Without robust survey data, it's difficult to assess whether families feel heard or whether teachers trust leadership — this itself is a gap parents should note.

The student body is predominantly Black (73%) and Hispanic (22%), reflecting the demographics of the surrounding East New York-New Lots community. With zero white students and only 3% Asian, this is a school serving a specific community population. The diversity index of 44% is relatively low, and with 79% economic need index, the school serves a high-poverty population. The 12% IEP population is notable and suggests the school provides special education services within the charter model. The community is largely working-class (median household income $58,087) with only 16% of adults holding a BA+ degree, meaning many families are first-generation navigating the charter lottery process.

East New York-New Lots is a Brooklyn neighborhood with real challenges and some assets. Safety scores (31.42) are notably low, indicating higher crime density, and the neighborhood has elevated environmental health concerns (asthma rates, lead exposure). However, transit access is decent (68.58) and family density is moderate-high (63.6), meaning there are other families in the area. The poverty rate of 22.6% and median home value of $605,545 suggest a working-class community in transition. Families should know the neighborhood has historically had limited educational options, which is part of why charter schools like this one have filled a need.

The neighborhood is walkable, though safety concerns may make some parents prefer driving or accompanying younger children. Transit access via bus and subway is available and reasonably convenient for a Brooklyn neighborhood.